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Mini Transat is one of the most mentally and physically challenging sailboat races in the world. In it’s current form it consists of a 1100 nautical mile leg from Fort-Boyard France to Madera followed by a 3100 mile leg from the Madera to Salvador Brazil via a Cape Verde waypoint. Skippers are allowed only to carry a vhf radio and ssb receiver as means of communication allowing for no private outside assistance. Just completing the race is a challenge in itself while winning takes immense amounts of skill and preparation.
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Since it's creation in 1977 Mini Transat has been held every two years with an ever growing popularity. Although conceived by an Englishman the race has been dominated by French sailors and is governed by the French based Classe Mini. The race has become so popular that in recent years a limit of 72 entries and a qaulification process for these spots was enstated. In the 2007 running 89 entrants were allowed to start the event. This has increased the level of preparation required by the competitors making the race safer in many ways. However it has also made it exceedingly difficult for non France based campaigns to qaulify and compete. |
